WSSU receives $500,000 gift from the Cannon Family Charitable Trust to expand graduate school and internship opportunities
Winston-Salem State University has received a $500,000 gift from the Cannon Family Charitable Trust, payable over five years, to launch new initiatives expanding access to graduate education and experiential learning opportunities for students.
The funding will support the university’s ASCENDNC Program, designed to remove barriers to academic and professional advancement by investing in graduate school preparation and career-building experiences. The Cannon Family Charitable Trust Board of Trustees unanimously approved the award after a presentation by WSSU leaders in December.
The gift includes $125,000 to help students prepare for graduate and professional school entrance examinations, such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT and GMAT, and $375,000 to establish a summer internship program providing students with meaningful work experiences at nonprofit organizations and companies with community service-focused initiatives.
“Programs like ASCENDNC represent the kind of thoughtful investment that can truly change students’ lives,” said CFCT Trustee Craig Cannon. “When Chancellor Brown and the WSSU leadership team shared their vision with us, it was clear this initiative would help remove barriers to graduate and professional education while opening doors to meaningful career opportunities. We are proud to support this work and look forward to seeing the impact it will have in the years ahead.”
Chancellor Bonita J. Brown said the university is deeply grateful for the Cannon Family Charitable Trust’s investment in WSSU students and their futures, and she is confident ASCENDNC will be successful.
“The program reflects our commitment to ensuring every student has access to the resources, preparation and experiences needed to pursue advanced education and meaningful, transformative careers,” Brown said. “This support strengthens our ability to remove barriers, expand opportunity and empower our students to achieve their fullest potential.”
The graduate school preparation component will help students access high-quality test preparation resources, practice tools and coaching that are often financially out of reach. The internship initiative will enable students to gain hands-on experience in mission-driven organizations while developing professional skills, leadership abilities and a deeper understanding of community impact.
Together, these initiatives will strengthen pathways to graduate education, increase workforce readiness and expand opportunities for students interested in careers in public service, philanthropy, healthcare, education, nonprofit leadership and other fields dedicated to serving communities.
In addition to supporting WSSU students, the Cannon Family Charitable Trust partnership creates opportunities for collaboration and engagement with other educational institutions that have benefited from similar investments, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Davidson College and Wake Forest University.
The Cannon Family Charitable Trust has expressed enthusiasm for the long-term potential of the ASCENDNC Program and will consider future annual support as the initiative develops and demonstrates impact.
Rooted in WSSU’s mission of academic excellence, equity and community engagement, the ASCENDNC Program will help students build the credentials, experiences and professional networks necessary to thrive as leaders in North Carolina and beyond.
Kevan L. Turman, vice chancellor for university advancement, said the $500,000 gift underscores the Cannon Family Charitable Trust’s commitment to expanding opportunities for WSSU students.
“In addition to strengthening graduate and professional school preparation, this investment allows us to create meaningful summer internship experiences that connect students with nonprofit organizations and community-focused companies,” Turman said. “These hands-on opportunities are critical in helping students apply what they’ve learned, build professional networks and gain the real-world experience needed to succeed in graduate school and beyond.”
